MBB Technology – Multi-Busbar and Silver Use in Solar Panels

As The Solar Energy industry continues to evolve, manufacturers are under constant pressure to increaseefficiency, reduce costs, and improve reliability. One of the most significant technological advancements in recent years is the adoption of MBB Technology, or Multi-Busbar Technology.

In this article, we’ll explore what MBB is, how it works, why it matters, and how it affects silver consumption — one of the most valuable and cost-sensitive materials In Solar Panel production. We’ll also look at its impact on overallsolar panel performance, longevity, and industry trends.

Whether you’re a solar installer, EPC contractor, or end-user, understanding MBB technology will help you make smarter choices when selecting high-performance solar modules.

What Is MBB (Multi-Busbar) Technology?

Traditionally, solar cells used 3, 4, or 5 busbars — thin metal strips that collect and transport electricity generated by the photovoltaic (PV) material. MBB technology refers to increasing the number of these busbars to 9, 10, 12, or even more.

Key Features of MBB:

• Involves narrow, round wires (instead of flat ribbons)
• Uses more busbarsevenly distributed across the cell
• Reduces the distance electrons need to travel within the cell
• Minimizes electrical resistance and power loss

✅ More busbars = better conductivity, lower resistance, and higher overall efficiency

How MBB Improves Solar Panel Performance

1. Lower Series Resistance

With more busbars, electrons have shorter paths to reach the contacts, which significantly reduces series resistance — a key factor in power loss.

2. Better Current Collection

More contact points across the surface mean faster and more efficient current collection, especially under partial shading or low-light conditions.

3. Reduced Cell Cracking Risk

MBB wires are thinner and more flexible, which helps distribute mechanical stress and reduce microcracks during handling or thermal cycling.

4. Enhanced Aesthetics

Thinner, more numerous wires cause less shading on the cell surface, improving both light absorption and the visual appearance of the panel.

MBB and Silver Usage: A Delicate Balance

Silver is a critical but expensive material used to create the conductive fingers and busbars on solar cells. For years, reducing silver consumption has been a major goal in Pv Manufacturing.

At first glance, adding more busbars might seem to increase silver usage, but modern MBB technology actually reduces total silver consumption.

How Is That Possible?

• Each busbar is much thinnerthan traditional ones
• Screen-printing techniqueshave improved to deposit thinner, more precise lines
• Silver-coated copper wiresor silver pastes with lower silver content are now used

📉 Studies show that MBB technology can reduce silver use per watt by 10–20%, depending on the number of busbars and manufacturing methods.

Efficiency Gains with MBB

Integrating MBB technology can boost module efficiency by 0.3% to 0.6%, which is significant in a mature industry where every fraction of a percent counts.

Combine with Advanced Cell Designs:

• PERC + MBB
• TOPCon + MBB
• IBC with MBB (back-contact designs)

These combinations offer higher light capture, lower resistive losses, and better overall performance.

Manufacturing and Cost Implications

✅ Advantages:

• Mature and scalable technology
• Compatible with existing PERC and TOPCon lines
• Reduces long-term production costs through silver savings and higher yields

❌ Challenges:

• Requires precision screen printingand advanced metallization equipment
• Initial capex for upgrading production lines
• Optimization needed for soldering processeswith round wires

Despite these challenges, most Tier 1 manufacturers have already adopted MBB as the standard due to its clear cost-benefit advantages.

MBB Adoption Around the World

Leading manufacturers including LONGi, Trina, JA Solar, Jinko, and Canadian Solar have incorporated MBB technology into their mainstream module lines.

Global Trends:

• Over 80% of new modulesshipped in 2024 used MBB
• Rapid shift from 5BB to 9BB/12BB modules
• MBB combined with half-cut, bifacial, and n-type technologies

🔮 MBB is expected to remain dominant until next-gen metallization (like SMBB or wire-based contacts) becomes commercially viable.

Why MBB Matters for You

For Installers and EPCs:

• Higher efficiency = more power per square meter
• Lower BOS (Balance of System) costs
• More flexible design with smaller arrays

For Homeowners and Businesses:

• Better aesthetics (especially for all-black modules)
• Higher energy yield = better ROI
• Longer durability due to microcrack resistance

For Distributors:

• MBB modules are now the industry standard
• Competitive pricing due to silver optimization
• Easier to upsell with clear technical benefits
• 

✅ Conclusion: MBB Technology Is the New Standard

Multi-busbar (MBB) technology is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity in modern solar panel design. It represents a smart balance between performance improvement and cost reduction, especially in the context of silver price volatility and tight manufacturing margins.

If you're looking for high-efficiency, cost-effective, and reliable solar modules, choosing products with MBB technology is a future-proof decision.

At Zhonghao, we offer a full range of MBB-enabled solar panels, incorporating the latest PERC, TOPCon, and bifacial technologies. Our solutions are tailored for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects worldwide.

☀️ Ready to upgrade your solar project with the latest MBB modules?
Contact us for quotes, datasheets, or technical support.